Should you use Retinol for Pigmentation? | Dr Davin Lim

What are the benefits of retinol?
Retinol has many skin benefits & hence is the most prescribed topical agent by dermatologists.
Reduces signs of photoaging: Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover acting as a chemical exfoliant. This improves photoaging & improves skin quality.
Reduces pigmentation: Retinol works to fade hyperpigmentation including melasma pigment. It does so via two ways. Firstly to increase cell turnover & hence pigment clearance, secondly as a weak inhibitor of pigment production (tyrosinase inhibitor). Ideally retinol should be combined with more powerful pigment inhibitors such as vitamin C, arbutin or hydroquinone.
Improves the texture of your skin: By boosting collagen production, your skin will have more turgid structure & tensile strength. Plus, the cells on the surface of your skin will be replaced more quickly, helping smooth your skin and reduce the dull, dry look of dead skin.
Reduces acne: Retinol decreases pimples, blackheads & oil on the skin. It works by removing clogged pores, reducing sebum (oil) production, modulation of inflammation & reducing bacterial counts in oil glands.
Collagen booster: This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines & shallow wrinkles. It works by stimulation of cells called fibroblasts that lie in the deeper layers of skin.
Antioxidant effects: Retinol has some minor protective effects, however other agents such as vitamin C, E & ferulic acid are more potent.
How to use it?
When you use products with retinol, it’s extremely important to use just a pea-size amount for the entire face. Start every second night, gradually working your way up to nightly use. Don’t rush the process. And if you do start to get red or flaky, reduce application amount & frequency. Remember to moisturize if you do have skin irritation & don’t forget to wash residual product off in the morning.
What are the side effects of retinol?
Here is a concept worth understanding- all retinoids, including retinol have side effects (or rather ‘effects’ on the skin. It depends on 3 key factors-
The strength of retinol- retinoids
Your genetic ‘sensitivity’ or irritant threshold
Exogenous factors such as skin barrier function. This primarily due to factors such as sunburn, seasons, as well as concomitant use of other ‘actives’ that may compromise barrier function (eg AHAs) or physical exfoliation.

[@eaglechick22]

I have great results withTretinoin, Vitamin C plus Ferulic acid AND sunscreen. My melasma is barely visible. Thank you Dr. Lim

[@reaganreagan8063]

Whice sunscreen u used?

[@eaglechick22]

@@reaganreagan8063 I used Australian Gold tinted sun lotion but it's been discontinued. I am using the Walmart brand for babies now, SPF 50. No fragrance. Looking for a good mineral sunscreen again.

[@arwam9404]

I am interested in the neck rejuvenation techniques you are doing, your neck is amazing 👏

[@josieseeger8387]

will this work on jaw line acne/cyst scars that are read or get inflammation from consuming high levels of B vitamins, love your videos they have been a wonderful tool in my skin journey as my skin changed after i had a child in my early 20's now im 30 and still working on it❤

[@sharonscott1776]

Why does Tretinoin take over 6 months for pigmentation? I’m using it daily and hasn’t faded yet

[@zullycelissuazo7439]

Something to keep in mind is that pigmentation might be very superficial or deep. Something superficial will fade faster and much more easily than something that’s deeper in the skin. And another thing to keep in mind is your age. Even with retinoids, someone in their early 20s will see faster results than someone in their late 40s. Give it time. Good luck 🌷💕

[@sharonscott1776]

@@zullycelissuazo7439 thank you. I’m 47 no wrinkles just pigmentation

[@rounaqasif]

My concern exactly

[@vmmurphy3918]

I have been using it consistently for 3 years and it does nothing for me as far as hyperpigmentation. I started using vitamin C this week and I’m going to see how that works. Hydroquinone works but as soon as you stop using it it seems to come back🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Sky10811]

add azelaic acid

[@bernesemuir8022]

Thank you for this excellent brake down ! ❤

[@jennyhart6057]

Thank you so much Dr. Can u review skinbetter science for ageing and pigmentation?

[@susanmcf1]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@ZiggyPlayedGuitar1225]

I use it for the deep, atrophic scars from the cystic acne I just stopped having only ten years ago that are all over my cheeks. I also have rosacea and sensitive skin. Sometimes I’m confused on what to use or if I can layer.

[@gailburns9242]

Go to one of the clinics that specialise in products and treatments for all types of skin. I have rosacea and sensitive skin as well and have found something that works for me. I don’t think rosacea ever really goes away. Good luck.

[@lonewolf5969]

Hows the results for the scars?

[@ZiggyPlayedGuitar1225]

@lonewolf5969 they're still pretty bad but better. I think the psychological effect and shame will always be there, but I tell myself I'm beautiful every day and everyone has flaws. However, with some of my mental disorders, it's hard. I can't afford treatments or a dermatologist. I just do research on the vitamins, acids, and other items that can help with my limited budget. I feel like a chemist sometimes. The only thing i can do is use what topicals that I can afford at the drugstore. And cover it using makeup techniques. Thank you for asking 💜

[@ZiggyPlayedGuitar1225]

@gailburns9242 Yeah, it's not curable but kind of manageable. Unfortunately I can't afford a clinic visit and what I buy can't be expensive. Nothing over 15 bucks.

[@susank683]

Dr Lim thank you for answering my questions I trust you You once suggested I use Adapalene because I am 82 and because I asked for an inexpensive retinol. I have pretty nice skin for my age...should I stay with Differin Adapalene or progress to another brand or stronger type and are store brands of adapalene okay? Thank you New Jersey USA

[@RB-mr6cr]

May, I know what treatment you are on at the moment?? I can see something done.

[@lemonking3644]

QUESTION: Im 28, if I use Retin-A (tretinoin) for the next 30 years will my skin stop benefiting from it since it got used to it?

[@Sky10811]

start not earlier than 35 years, 28 is way too early unless u have acne

[@martina2615]

Hi doc, what about ADAPALENE. Does it have the same anti-aging properties as Tretinoin? Best regards from Spain.

[@db-gb5xi]

There are derm channels that have covered adapalene and anti-aging like dr dray.

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

Thanks for the vid.

[@frozengamer3030]

I am going to use night repair retinol from zo. It’s going to by my first time should I use it once a week

[@Prince_Kuragin]

How to smooth textured face ?

[@Sky10811]

aha

[@lavanyathammineni6200]

His face looks much younger compared to previous videos, may be he stopped his own treatments on face😂😂😂

[@andrew4809]

Retinol not for Australian summers lol

[@Sky10811]

start in winter so u can continue in summer no problem. just use sunscreen